|
|
|
|
Regardless of where you go, or how long you are going to be in port, there are basically six categories of shore excursions that every cruise line offers. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Be sure to read the brochures and handouts your ship provides regarding its Shore Excursions. They contain prices and descriptions of the different excursions, which will give you a general outline of the type of activity you will experience. Don’t be too seduced by the descriptions. Advertising is alive and well even in the Caribbean and so, not surprisingly, each excursion is described in the most wonderful, enticing language possible. |
|
|
|
|
| Palm trees don’t generally “sway”, “pristine beaches” can be packed with hundreds of sun-bathers and the “scenic harbor cruise” often takes you right by rusted out boat shells and broken down buildings. But don’t be dismayed. The water really is crystal clear, the sun is warm and inviting, the air is clean and the sand is a beautiful, soft, white grain. This really is all part of your adventure. Keep it in perspective and everything is beautiful. |
|
|
|
| The Beach Excursions |
|
| These excursions have a variety of feisty, exotic names, and are generally either a half-day excursion where you pay for the extras once you get there, or a day-long all-inclusive excursion that usually includes the beach, a pool, water activities plus food and beverages. The half-day excursions cost around $35 - $40, the all-inclusive packages can go as high as $110. |
|
|
|
| The half-day excursions are a 3-4 hour trip to a privately leased beach that takes the place of the pool deck on board the ship. It includes beach chairs, a food and beverage bar (some of which are pretty extensive, some of which are pretty lame), Caribbean background music, and sometimes a gift shop and/or vendors patrolling the beach. You’ll find a sectioned off swimming area, restrooms, and usually a children’s playground. Most of these beaches are quite crowded, and the beaches are average or good, but there’s not much chance you’ll find yourself on the beach of your dreams (you get a lot closer to that fantasy if your cruise includes a trip to one of the private islands. More about that in a moment). |
|
|
|
| There is a huge range of difference in the physical layout and atmoshphere of the various beach excursions. Some are nothing more than a sandy stretch filled with lounge chairs, but it is a Caribbean sandy stretch after all, which definitely counts for something. Others are absolutely delightful, complete with lots of palm trees, hammocks and cabanas. The best way to get the straight scoop on the beaches is to check the online message boards. |
|
|
|
| Variations On A Beach Theme |
|
|
|
| Sometimes the beach excursion is enhanced with some fun and interesting extras. For example, you might find an excursion that includes a double-decker party boat that takes you to a private beach for a cook-out and beach games. Or maybe one that includes a bike-ride or snorkeling. If you like the extras, go for it. Usually (you should do the math to be sure) these combo packages are a better deal than if you did each excursion separately. When it comes to the snorkeling combos, those can be nice because they give you something extra to do (which could be a whole new adventure in and of itself). Just keep in mind that the snorkeling you find close to the beaches, or for that matter anywhere around these private little cays, is not usually very spectacular. It's still cool, and for a lot of folks it will be amazing enough, but if you're putting a lot of stock in having an amazing snorkeling experience, don't count on the beach-snorkeling combos to deliver. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
On many beach excursions you'll also have the opportunity to rent jet skis, flotations devices of different kinds, go parasailing, kayaking or even have a beach-party complete with games and a cook-out. |
|
|
|
|
|
Beach Trips For The Truly Adventurous |
|
|
|
|
|
If you want to really go off the reservation and strike out in your own, you can almost always find some nice beaches that are not part of the ship’s excursions and are not even that well known. Since most of the traffic to the local beaches comes from tourists (and that means a lot of cruise ship tourists), the mass of people will be concentrated on the beaches that are part of a package deal. We’ve found some absolutely delightful beaches that were completely unknown to our ship board hosts and fellow travelers. The further you get from the port, the greater the find. And, of course, the further you get from the port, the more you have to deal with the issue of getting back to the port. It’s usually not a problem getting to the less known beaches, but you need to make sure you can get back before you decide to stay for the day. |
|
|
|
|
|
This is a great use for the message boards we mentioned earlier. Check out the posts on the message board, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, post a question. Usually, you’ll get back several answers, but if you don’t, fear not, just post your message a second time. Someone will answer. |
|
|
|
|
|
If you are going to search out a beach, be extra sure to bring everything you need, including towels, food and plenty of water (or perhaps some of that booze you smuggled on board?) |
|
|
|
|
|
The Private Islands |
|
|
|
|
|
Many cruise lines include a day-long stop at a private island as part of the cruise. These islands are owned, or leased exclusively, by the cruise line. They are ramped up versions of a really good beach excursion. There are several of these islands scattered about the Caribbean, and they are a great addition to any cruise you do. |
|
|
|
|
|
The island itself is relatively small as far as islands go, but they are packed full of Caribbean-style entertainment. It’s kind of like transferring the amenities and services of the pool deck ashore to a beautiful beach. You’ll find a well-established waterfront area, complete with chairs, waiters and lots of water. It can get crowded in the main beach areas,, but way less than what you find on most beach other beach excursions. And if you're willing to walk a bit, you can definitely grab a quiet piece of sand to spend the day. |
|
|
|
|
|
If you are cruising on one of the Big Four ships, this is where you are most likely to find the best beaches of your cruise. It may not be “remote”, but it will be closer than anything else you'll find on the excursion list. Smaller ships, especially the schooner types can get into more remote locations and so they are more likely to take you to isolated beaches. You will also find an extensive buffet service at lunch time (no charge here, it works just like the buffets on the ship), several bars, and a retail shop area which usually mimics a straw market. On some of the islands you can rent a private cabana that includes lounging area, private deck and a shower. |
|
|
|
|
|
One of the best features of these private islands is that they offer their own versions of many popular water-activity shore excursions for less than what you pay in a port of call, and sometimes the savings are substantial. The reason they can do this is because the cruise line itself is the vendor on their islands, whereas they must use outside vendors in ports. No middle man means less cost and they pass it on. You can usually find diving (snorkel and scuba), jet skis, parasailing, kayaking, small sailboat rentals and paddle boats. |
|
|
|
|
|
If your cruise includes a private isalnd as one of its ports of call, you'll be glad. In fact, I think it’s worth picking a cruise based on whether or not you get to spend a day at one the private islands. |
|
|
|
|
|
(back to top) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Prescription Sun Glasses |
 |
|
Articles we've written about
Cruising In The Caribbean |
|
Ten Mistakes When Taking A Cruise - It’s a shame to lay out
$250 - $2,500 on a dreamy
cruise vacation only to encounter unnecessary mishaps and
inconveniences. So, in an effort
to minimize the likelihood of a
bump in the road to your perfect
vacation, here are some common
potholes that can tarnish your
experience.
|
|
|
|
Eleven Expert Cruising Tips - Some useful,relevant tips and
ideas, and other neat stuff you
can use to make their cruising
experience better.
|
|
|
|
Hooked On Cruising (And I Like It!) - It's official! I have a
condition, a disorder by some
people's assessment. It's called
"Caribbean Obsession Disorder",
and there really is such a thing.
Imagine that!
|
|
